Iowa wrestling releases Big Ten Conference dual opponents for 2023-24 season

IOWA CITY — University of Iowa announced its Big Ten Conference dual opponents for the 2023-24 men’s wrestling season.

The Hawkeyes’ slate is highlighted by a meet with defending NCAA champion Penn State at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The home schedule will include border rivals Minnesota and Wisconsin and Purdue, which is coached by former Iowa wrestler and Humboldt native Tony Ersland.

Iowa will travel to Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska and Northwestern to round out conference duals.

Iowa posted a 15-1 overall dual record and a 7-1 Big Ten mark last season. The Hawkeyes return three All-Americans from the 2023 national tournament, including 141-pound finalist Real Woods. Heavyweight Tony Cassioppi was fourth and Nelson Brands (174) placed fifth.

Brody Teske (133), Cobe Siebrecht (157), 165-pounder Patrick Kennedy and Abe Assad at 184 were national qualifiers last season. Assad was an NWCA second-team All-American in 2020. Drake Ayala (125) qualified for the 2022 NCAA meet.

Tom Brands will enter his 18th season as the Hawkeyes’ head coach this fall. He owns a 265-25-1 record at Iowa, including a 127-12 conference mark. Brands is second all-time in dual wins among Iowa coaches, trailing the legendary Dan Gable, who was 355-21-5 in 21 seasons.

The Hawkeyes placed second at the 2023 national tournament. Iowa has sold out season tickets each of the last two seasons.

Tuesday’s news release also said the complete schedule will be released when it is finalized.